Guru Granth Sahib

The Guru Granth Sahib (Punjabi: ਗੁਰੂ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਸਾਹਿਬ), also known as the Adi Granth, is the primary Holy Book of the Sikhs.[1] This scripture plays a pivotal role in Sikh worship,[2] and is consulted for religious guidance in all aspects of life.

Composed during the period of Sikh Gurus, from 1469 to 1708,[1] the Guru Granth Sahib is a voluminous text of 1430 pages that was compiled by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev (1563-1606), from hymns of the previous Sikh Gurus and other great saints of the Hindu and Muslim traditions.[3] The original scribe of the Adi Granth was Bhai Gurdas and later Bhai Mani Singh. After the demise of the tenth Sikh Guru many handwritten copies were prepared for distribution by Baba Deep Singh.

The Holy Book is organized in the form of hymns written in praise of God, which describe God's nature[3] and the right way to live. Written in the Gurmukhi script, the Holy Book contains many languages including Braj, Old Punjabi, Khariboli, Sanskrit and Persian.

Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708), the tenth Guru in Sikh tradition, affirmed the sacred text Adi Granth as his successor, ending the line of human Gurus, and elevating the text to leadership of the Sikh community.[4] From that point on, the text remained not only the holy scripture of the Sikhs, but is also regarded by them as the living embodiment of the their Ten Gurus.[5]

Meaning and role in Sikhism

A painting of Guru Arjan dictating the Adi Granth to Bhai Gurdas

Sikhs consider the Guru Granth Sahib to be the highest authority within the community, and the Holy Book plays a central role in Sikh devotional and ritual life. The place of the Guru Granth Sahib in Sikh devotional life is based on two fundamental principles or beliefs: first, the text is considered to be divine revelation,[6] hence it cannot be changed; second, all answers regarding religion and morality are believed to be be discovered within the text.

The hymns and teachings contained in the Sikh holy book are called Gurbani or "Word of the Guru" and sometimes Dhurbani or "Word of God." Thus, in Sikh theology, the revealed divine word is the Guru.[7] Because the scripture inherited this authority from Sikh Gurus, it is called Guru Granth, meaning "Guru Book."

The work of the numerous holy men who contributed to the Guru Granth Sahib is collectively referred to as Bhagat Bani or "Word of Saints." These saints belonged to different social and religious backgrounds, including Hinduism and Islam. Although the Sikh Bhagats (devotees/saints) are not accorded the status of Guru in Sikhism, their work is equally revered as that of Sikh Gurus and no distinction is made between the work of a Sikh Bhagat and a Sikh Guru. The essence of these doctrines is that the Guru Granth Sahib, which contains the complete teachings of the Sikh Gurus, is the sole and final successor of the line of Gurus. Anyone claiming the status of living Guru is considered a heretic.[8]

History

The work of transcribing the teachings of Guru Nanak, the first Guru and founder of Sikhism, began during his lifetime.[9] When Guru Angad became the second Guru of Sikhs, Guru Nanak gave him his collection of hymns and teachings in the form of a "pothi" (manuscript). Guru Angad added 63 of his own compositions and subsequently handed the enlarged manuscript to the third Guru, Amar Das. Guru Amar Das prepared a number of manuscripts, which he supplemented with 974 of his own compositions, as well as the works of various Bhagats (devotees/saints). These manuscripts, known as Goindwal pothis, mention the message of Guru Amar Das as to why the Bhagat Bani was included and how the Bhagats were influenced by Guru Nanak.[9] The fourth Guru also composed hymns and preserved them in a pothi.

The fifth Guru, Arjan Dev, in order to consolidate the Bani (Divine word) of earlier Gurus and to prevent spurious compositions creeping into the original text, decided to compile the Adi Granth.[9] The ancient Sikh manuscript Tawarikh Guru Khalsa mentions that Guru Arjan Dev issued a Hukamnamah (official order), asking anyone who could contribute to do so. All of the sourcing and content of the Bani of the earlier Gurus as well as that of the Bhagats was reviewed. Guru Arjan Dev's examination of the text sought to order and affirm the authenticity of the existing revelation.[9] Guru Arjan started the work of compiling the Adi Granth early in 1599.[10]

The final prepared volume is known as Adi Granth, or "original volume." It was written by Bhai Gurdas, under the direct supervision of Guru Arjan, who dictated the text. It included the compositions of the first four Sikh Gurus, to which were added those of the fifth Sikh Guru, Arjan Dev. The Adi Granth also contained the compositions of 15 Bhagats, 17 Bhatts ("bards," or traditional composers), and four others such as Bhai Mardana, a lifelong companion of Guru Nanak.

The Adi Granth took five years to complete and was installed in Harmandir Sahib ("the abode of God"), popularly known as the Golden Temple, on September 1, 1604, with Baba Buddha as the first Granthi.[10] This original volume is presently in Kartarpur and bears the signature of the Guru Arjan.[11]

This master copy was initially in the possession of Guru Hargobind, but was stolen by one of his grandsons, Dhir Mal, who wanted to lay claim to the title of Guru of Sikhs. The Sikhs, about 30 years later, recovered it forcibly and were made to return it on the order of the ninth Guru, Tegh Bahadur. Every year on the occasion of Vaisakhi the original Adi Granth, known as Kartarpur pothi, is displayed by the descendants of Dhir Mal in Kartarpur.

The final composition of Adi Granth was prepared by Guru Gobind Singh with the scribe Bhai Mani Singh at Talwandi Sabo (renamed as Damdama Sahib). Guru Gobind Singh added the hymns composed by Guru Tegh Bahadur[12] but excluded his own. There is mention of Guru Gobind Singh's holding an "Akhand Path" (continued recital of Guru Granth Sahib).[13] From Talwandi Sabo, Guru Gobind Singh went to Deccan. While at Nanded, Guru Gobind Singh installed the final version prepared by him as the perpetual Guru of Sikhs in 1708.

Composition

The Sikh Gurus developed a new writing system, Gurmukhi, for writing their sacred literature.[14] Although the exact origins of the script are unknown,[15] it is believed to have existed in an elementary form during the time of Guru Nanak. According to Sikh tradition, Guru Angad is said to have invented the script,[14] and popularised it's use among the Sikhs. It is stated in Mahman Prakash, an early Sikh manuscript, that the script was invented by Guru Angad at the suggestion of Guru Nanak during the lifetime of the founder.[16] The word Gurmukh_ translates as "from the mouth of the Guru." The script was used, from the onset, for compiling Sikh scriptures. The Sikhs assign high degree of sanctity to Gurmukh_ language script.[17] The Gurmukh_ language Script is also the official script for the Indian State of Punjab.

The end part of the handwritten Adi granth, by Pratap Singh Giani, located on the first floor of Harimandir Sahib

The Guru Granth Sahib is divided into fourteen hundred and thirty pages known as Angs (limbs) in Sikh tradition. The composition is divided on the basis musical notes called Ragas.[18] A Raga is a scale and combination of certain musical notes that provide a basic structure around which the musician performs. The Ragas or musical notes in Guru Granth Sahib are centered around different moods and times of the day and year.[18] The total number of these Ragas or musical notes are thirty one, which are further divided into 14 Ragas and 17 Raginis (minor musical notes). Within the ragas, they are arranged by order of the Sikh Gurus and Sikh Bhagats. In addition to the Ragas, there are 22 compositions of Vars (Traditional ballads). Nine of these vars are based on specific tunes and the rest can be sung in any tune.[18]

The structural composition of Guru Granth Sahib can be divided into three different sections:[19]

The introductory section that consists the Mul Mantra, Japji and Sohila composed by Guru Nanak

The arrangement of compositions of Sikh Gurus followed by that of Sikh Bhagats, occurring according to chronology of Ragas or musical notes.

Sanctity among Sikhs

The Mool Mantar in the handwriting of Guru Har Rai

Sikhs observe total sanctity of the text in the Guru Granth Sahib. No one can change or alter any of the writings of the Sikh Gurus written in Guru Granth Sahib. This includes sentences, words, structure, grammar etc. This total sanctity was observed by the Gurus themselves. Guru Har Rai had disowned his elder son, Ram Rai, because he had altered the wording of one of Guru Nanak's hymn.[20] Ram Rai had been sent to Delhi, by Guru Har Rai, to explain Gurbani to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. In order to please the Emperor he altered the wording of hymns of Guru Nanak. The matter was reported to the Guru, who was displeased with his son and disowned him. Later when aged, Ram Rai was forgiven by Guru Gobind Singh.

Translations

Translations of the Guru Granth Sahib are available. However, most Sikhs believe that an accurate translation from the language of the Sikh Gurus, Gurmukhi, is not possible. Translations only give entry-level understanding of the Guru Granth Sahib to those who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to learn Gurmukh_ (literally "from the mouth of the Gurus").

A Sikh is encouraged to learn Gurmukhi to fully experience and understand the Guru Granth Sahib. Sikhs believe that it is necessary to learn Gurmukhi, designed and used by the Sikh Gurus, to fully understand and appreciate the message of the Guru Granth Sahib.

Recitation

A Granthi reciting from Guru Granth Sahib

The Guru Granth Sahib is always placed in the centre of a Gurudwara and placed on raised platform, known as Takht (throne). The Guru Granth is given the greatest respect and honour. Sikhs cover their heads and remove their shoes while in the presence of Guru Granth. Before coming into it's presence, they bathe and bow before the Guru Granth. The Guru Granth is always carried on head and never touched with un-washed hands.[21]

The Guru Granth Sahib is always the focal point in any Gurudwara. It is attended with all signs of royalty, as was the custom with Sikh Gurus, and is placed upon a throne and the congregation sits on the floor. It is waved upon by a chaur (type of fan) which is made of fine material and a canopy is always placed over it. The devotees bow before the Guru and offer Karah Prashad (sacred food) or money to it.[21]

The Guru Granth Sahib is taken care of by a Granthi. He is responsible for reciting hymns from Guru Granth and leading the Sikh congregation in prayer. The Granthi also acts as the caretaker of Guru Granth Sahib. An important function of the Granthi is to put Guru Granth Sahib to bed every night. Before doing this, he must recite the night prayer known as Kirtan Sohila, which is composed by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikh religion. Guru Granth Sahib is placed in a bed known as Manji Sahib, and covered with soft quilts and clean cloths. Small cushions are also placed alongside to support its large size. It is kept covered in silken cloths, known as Rumala, to protect from heat, dust, pollution etc. It rests on a manji sahib under a rumala until brought out again.[21]

Printing

Before the twentieth century, only hand written copies of Guru Granth Sahib were prepared. The first printed copy of Guru Granth Sahib was made in 1864. Since the early twentieth century, the Guru Granth Sahib has a standard 1,430 pages.

The Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is currently printed in an authorised printing press in the basement of the Gurdwara Ramsar in Amritsar. However, there are a number of unauthorised copies of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Any misprints of the sacred text are cremated. [22]

Message of Guru Granth Sahib

The Guru Granth Sahib provides guidance and advice to the whole of the human race about how to live a life in peace, tranquillity and spiritual enlightenment. Its main themes are as follows:

There is only One God

All Peoples of the World are Equal

Women are Equal with Men

Speak and Live Truthfully

Control the Five Vices

Live in God's Hukam (Universal Laws)

Meditiate on the name of God (Remember God)

Practise Humility, Kindness, Compassion, and Love.

Care and Protocol to be Observed

Personal Behaviour

Any person in the presence of the Adi Granth must observe the following:

One's head must be covered at all times.

One's shoes must be removed outside the Guru's room.

Basic standards of personal hygiene are to be observed.

Eating or drinking while in service is strictly avoided.

A respectful attitude towards others who are present must be held.

Environment

The room should be kept clean.

The clothes that are used to cover Guru Granth are kept clean and changed daily. Some people choose to use decorated cloth, but this is not necessary.

The Guru Granth Sahib should always be placed on a Manji Sahib (small throne).

A canopy is always to be placed over the Guru Granth Sahib.

A Chaur Sahib is to be provided beside the Guru Granth with a small platform to house the Karah Parshad (sacramental food) and other offerings.

On the move

While the Guru is being transported the following protocol is to be observed:

Five initiated Sikhs accompany the Guru Granth at all times when traveling.

Another Sikh does Chaur Sahib Seva.

The main Sikh carrying the Guru must put a clean Rumalla on his or her head before placing the Holy Book on this Rumalla. At all times, the Guru should be covered with a small Rumalla so that the Guru's Saroop is always fully covered.

There should be regular recitation of "Waheguru."

A kamarkassa (waist band) should be tied around Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji.

Other considerations

No one should sit on a platform that is higher than the Guru Granth Sahib.

Academic courses

Punjabi University, Patiala, has established a department that provides a number of academic courses on the Guru Granth Sahib. The department was established in 1962 to do research in Sikhism and Sikh scriptures.[23] The university has started work on an online academic course in advanced studies of the Guru Granth Sahib. This academic course would be available internationally, to any student who wants academic training in the Sikh scripture. The academic exam papers would be designed by "The Advanced Centre for Development of Punjabi Language, Literature and Culture".[24]

Credits

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